Co-op is pressing the UK government to finalise its pending business rates reform, as it plans to open more than 50 new or refurbished stores across the country in the lead-up to Christmas 2025. 

The openings are scheduled throughout November and December. 

They bring the UK-based co-operative group’s total investment for 2024/25 to above £200m ($263.3m), supporting more than 200 new and transformed stores.  

Co-op stated that “long-term investment confidence across the sector now depends on the government following through on the promised reform, giving thousands of retailers the certainty they need to plan, invest and protect jobs.”  

The group added that clarity on business rates would be key to maintaining investment and enabling future expansion. 

Co-op Group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq stated: “We’re investing in stores and communities right across the UK because we believe in the future of the high street.  

“But sustained growth needs certainty. Business-rates reform is vital if retailers – especially the 99% who run small stores - are to plan with confidence, protect jobs and keep local economies thriving.” 

New stores will include Co-op’s first permanent branch in the Brent Cross Town development in north London, five micro-format “on the go” outlets and a franchise shop at Lancaster University - its 11th site on a university campus.  

The northernmost branch is set to open in Brora in the Scottish Highlands, while the southernmost will be in Devon and Cornwall. 

Each new or upgraded location will offer member price benefits, parcel collection points and home delivery via Co-op’s online platform and delivery partners Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats. 

Co-op, one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, has more than seven million members and sources all its fresh and frozen meat from British farmers and producers. 

In September 2025, Co-op and the University of Warwick opened a new franchise store on the Coventry campus, replacing the former Rootes grocery store.